Dream Fans Criticize Coach Karl Smesko for Benching Angel Reese in Game 7 Loss to Valkyries

Atlanta Dream fans expressed outrage after head coach Karl Smesko kept star forward Angel Reese on the bench during the crucial final minutes of a Game 7 loss to the Minnesota Valkyries. The decision drew heavy criticism on social media, with many calling it "so fireable" and noting that the move allowed Valkyries guard Rhyne Howard to shoot her team to victory. The Dream's season ended with the playoff defeat, intensifying scrutiny over Smesko's late-game rotation choices.